Worldwide millions of people suffer every day with depression and the debilitating effects that is has on themselves and their loved ones. The prolonged feelings of sadness, discouragement and hopelessness greatly affect the quality of life. Unfortunately the various medications used in treating depression often leave a multitude of new symptoms.

At one time or another, most of us have experienced some form of depression. It is a healthy response to events in our lives that seem overwhelming. When we are balanced, physically and emotionally, we can easily bounce back from a depressed state and move on with our lives. When negative feelings and emotions become constant and continual, depression may set in.

The Journal of Affective Disorders in 2010 reviewed 207 clinical studies conducted on the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating depressive disorders. According to this, the efficacy of acupuncture was comparable to antidepressants alone in improving clinical response and alleviating symptom severity of Major Depressive Disorder. Additionally, the incidence of side adverse reactions in acupuncture treatment was significantly lower than that of antidepressants.

Helping Depression by Acupuncture

With the incorporating thousands of years of experience, Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) are able to help in treating depression. Not only can they help to alleviate the signs and symptoms accompanying depression, but they can address the root cause(s) and underlying imbalances that have contributed to the problem, safely and naturally.

Acupuncturists are aware of the powerful interaction between our body and our emotions, and that the two are interwoven. When we experience emotional upset, our physiological state may become disrupted. Likewise, when we experience physical problems, our emotions can become greatly affected.

How to Regain Balance?

As time passes this disruption leads to what an acupuncturist calls “stagnant” or “depressed” Qi, (pronounced “chee”) or vital energy. Qi is a concept unique to the theories and principles of TCM. According to these theories, Qi is the vital energy that animates the body and protects it from illness and pain. Qi flows through the body in pathways called meridians. When Qi becomes stagnant or depressed, physical and/or emotional symptoms may affect our physical and emotional well-being, i.e. depression. Practitioners of acupuncture and TCM are specifically trained to detect and correct the balance and movement of Qi within the human body. Treatments are focused on balancing and activating the Qi by manipulating corresponding points on the body.

What to Expect

If you choose to go the safe and natural treatment of acupuncture, this what you may expect.

The acupuncturist will take a complete health history in order to find out where, why, and how Qi has become stagnant or depressed. After the full consultation, they will develop a specific treatment plan tailored to the individual´s symptoms and signs.

The goals of such a plan will be to activate the movement of Qi throughout the entire body, as well as to address the root cause(s) and underlying imbalances. By treating the body as a whole and unique organism, your acupuncturist will support you in your recovery from illness and disease, moving you toward health and happiness. Maximum benefits and long lasting results can be found when following the entire course required for the body to heal.

Helpful Tools to Fight Against Depression:

• Surround yourself with people whom you trust to provide objective and unbiased input and insight. Develop a support network of friends, loved ones, family, or co-workers who can lend an ear and listen.
• Breathe, relax, and think things through. Do not make many life changes all at once. Small and Steady.
• Take a daily walk of approximately twenty minutes.
• Please remember, you are not alone. Others are having similar experiences.
• Most of All – Smile.

Dr. Jay Sordean and The Redwood Clinic in Berkeley, California can help alleviate your depression. Call us at today (510) 849-1176 to set up a consultation.